How would it be a special right? I referred to it as a privilege which might be taken away if abused. Granted, the people in the stripey hole are criminals by definition, but how much do we really need to take from them besides their freedom?

Good question. What about rap, or any other genre but generally rap, that glorifies rape, violence, murder etc.? The right kind of music can definitely relax people. The wrong kind can have just the opposite effect. And who would decide exactly what's right versus wrong? Light classical music might be soothing to many but irritate others.

It hath charms to soothe the savage beast. Anything that keeps the jail population occupied and passive can't be too bad. I suspect the jailers might have to become involved with what is on each perps players, which will get mighty complicated.
Mp3 players, however, are going to be coveted and the source of fights/theft within the jail population. Either everybody or nobody.

The MP 3 player program currently in place at Kansas Deportment of Corrections correctional facilities allows inmates to purchase an MP 3 player that is made of clear plastic [so that it can be inspected for contraband], and which is set up so that it will only download music from music kiosks that are on facility grounds. All of this is done by way of a contract with a vendor [J-Pay]. The system is very secure,

KDOC collects a commission on each MP 3 player and accessory sold [these are sold through facility canteens], as well as a commission on each song sold. Proceeds go to pay for inmate programs such as education.

Providing inmates with a meaningful way to occupy their time is an important aspect of improving facility safety and security. As well, meaningful, pro social activities improve the inmate's chance of success upon release.

A detail that I forgot to mention. Possession of an MP 3 player is an earned privilege. To earn and keep the privilege, the inmate must participate in recommended programs and stay out of trouble. If an inmate refuses a program, refuses to work, or gets into any kind of serious trouble and the MP 3 player gets sent home.

Gee, the idea that incarceration is a free pass to torture and for the inhumane treatment of humans is so far right. Any excuse for some people At least we aren't talking about taking music away from rich white men who steal from elderly and banks. Such a nice chance for haters to rant.

So you are claiming the idea of some prisoners getting to listen to music is somehow justice personified. The idea of some guy earning the privileged of listening to music is repugnant. and wrong. It doesn't bother you or you don't know or understand if the average prisoner was some rich white banker or embezzling attorney it would be, should lap tops and manicures be allowed, heck most "white collars' don't even spend time, it is fine..

sorry snap. but no, I am against the clamor of haters, that everyone in jail should not be treated as human.
"If you want to be treated like a human you have to act like a human. When you commit a crime you should lose your rights." one example of many.
If you want to pretend my remarks were out of the context of many of the comments, that is only because you like lying over reading..

You are saying that letting prisoners earn the right to play mp3s is wrong? I was responding to the comments that implied prisoners had lost the right to be treated as humans because of their convictions. The glee of some people fantasizing how they would deprive the "criminals" of basic comforts, made me a bit sick. We are cramming people into prisons, at an incredible cost to our country. Their guilt and sentence seems to be determined more by their race and economic class than by crime. You can steal 90,000 from an elderly woman and get your hand slapped , Too much corruption and "efficiency" in the justice system. I do believe some should be locked away for good, but some might be innocent. The justice system is almost as flawed as congress.
I still am repulsed by the creeps who dream of punishing people incarcerated with no regard of reason, mostly driven by spite. Too much hate, not enough thinking it through.

The day-to-day atmosphere, culture and schedule of jail / prison should be as structured, regimented and disciplined as military basic training. All inmates wear the same uniform. All inmates have the same buzz hair cut. No facial hair. No new tattoos. All inmates work. All inmates attend some sort of required training, education and counseling applicable for real world employment. There are no personal TV's, radios, phones, posters, decorations, etc., allowed in cells. No PC access other than during training classes. A standard issue small TV or radio may be earned for restricted use in a cell. However, all broadcasts are controlled-content.